Neymar not interested in Lionel Messi role

Barcelona forward Neymar has insisted that 'the number nine position' in the club's attack is for Lionel Messi, despite impressing in that role at the weekend.

Neymar was in fine form in Saturday's 4-1 win over Real Valladolid, with the Brazilian youngster deployed in the centre of a three-man attack as Messi is still on the sidelines.

However, the former Santos forward has said that he does not expect to keep that role in the team when Messi returns from a hamstring injury after the international break.

"The number nine position is for the best player in the world - Leo Messi," he told the club's official website.

Barcelona have won all eight of their La Liga fixtures this season.